Return of the Demon Sovereign (Book 2) [MxM]

Everything about Jericho ignited a seething fury within Erebus, particularly now, when he felt so vulnerable and weak. The very name evoked a deep, unrelenting anger. It was as if Jericho had orchestrated this relentless cat-and-mouse game, one where Erebus was forced into the role of the prey. The thought of being hunted, manipulated, and toyed with only fueled his resentment. Erebus loathed the feeling of helplessness, despising every moment of being pursued and cornered in this twisted game.

He had witnessed Jericho's games firsthand—how the man tormented those around him. Hell, he had been Jericho's primary victim for years, enduring his cruel manipulations. Jericho reveled in creating chaos, dismantling minds with psychological torment before physically tearing his victims apart. The pattern was disturbingly consistent, a grotesque dance of suffering and destruction.

It was almost laughable, in a bitter sense, how easily Erebus had nearly fallen into the same trap once more. The memories of those dark times resurfaced, mingling with his current frustration—a stark reminder of the torment he had suffered and the extent of Jericho's cruelty.

But amidst his anger, Erebus found solace in his own techniques. If anything, he had confidence in his ability to remain concealed. It was a skill he had refined over centuries, honed to near perfection. Jericho might have known that a shadow cultivator was in the area, but he couldn't discern their identity or exact movements. Perhaps Jericho had even let them go, banking on their overconfidence to lure them back into the ruins, where he could strike again.

Erebus clenched his fists, his resolve strengthening. If Jericho wanted to play this game, he would need to be prepared for a far more elusive and unpredictable opponent.

"My King, may I request some time to leave the city?" Erebus asked. "I need to visit the lands of the Udae."

"Who are the Udae?" Nash inquired.

"It depends on who you ask," Leonis explained. "To Halrland, they are fierce barbarians who waged war against the sects and ignited the Warring Era. However, we know them as descendants of the elven race—hybrids of Dark and High Elves."

Erebus looked up at Leonis in shock. "Are they really?"

"They've lost most of their elven features, but they remain highly skilled. Their technology and knowledge of mana surpass most realms."

Erebus recalled the battles he had fought against them. They did possess the beauty and sharpness of elves. Their weapons and armor were unrivaled and highly coveted. In fact, Gramr had come from one of their generals. Beyond that, he couldn't recall any technological advances in battle. But perhaps they lay hidden within their secret city.

"I need to go there," Erebus whispered. "There's something I need to find out."

"No one knows the exact location of their city. And even if you reach it, do you know what you're looking for?" Leonis asked.

Erebus shook his head. "No. But I still need to go."

Leonis contemplated this and sighed. "Jericho knows he attacked a shadow cultivator. Games or not, I think we need to recall all cultivators for now."

"But my King—" Erebus began to protest.

"That doesn't mean I will forbid you from going. I will allow it, but let us wait a day to assess Jericho's reaction," Leonis explained. "I believe we will have company tomorrow, and the last thing we need is our General suddenly missing."

Erebus frowned. Considering he was the most suspicious of the lot, it was the right move. Anyone would assume he was the one trespassing.

"Everyone, get some rest. Tomorrow, act as you normally would. Do drills, meditate, spar. Let no one suspect that anything is amiss," Leonis warned.